Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka-Free Pasta (Creamy, Easy & So Good)
You’ve probably seen Gigi Hadid’s famous spicy vodka-free pasta floating around the internet. It’s just as creamy, spicy, and satisfying as everyone says. This version skips the vodka (you won’t miss it) and comes together with pantry staples and a splash of cream. Ally and I made it together and will definitely make it again and again.
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or an easy meal to cook with teens and tweens who love getting in the kitchen. You can keep it meatless or add protein, we’ve tried it with crumbled Italian sausage and it was delicious. Bonus: it makes the best leftovers.
Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka-Free Pasta (Creamy, Easy & So Good)
Ingredients
- 16 oz bag rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh garlic, finely minced
- 2/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/3 cups heavy cream
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan (more to taste)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (or more if needed)
- Optional additions: ½ lb cooked crumbled Italian sausage or grilled chicken
- Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, extra parmesan, and red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the pasta water.
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and tomato paste and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the tomato paste turns from bright red to a deeper reddish-brown.
- Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth.
- Add red pepper flakes, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the grated parmesan, butter, and ½ cup of pasta water. Stir until the sauce is creamy and glossy.
- If adding sausage or chicken, stir it in at this point.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated.
- Serve hot, topped with more parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, and extra chili flakes if you like it spicy.
Pair it with a simple salad and crusty bread and you’ve got the perfect weeknight dinner. Let me know if you give it a try, I always love hearing what you think!
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